A fairly common
benign inflammatory disease of the skin and the
lining of the mouth,
which often gives rise to itching. There are
small discrete raised areas of skin which at
times coalesce into rough
scaly patches. The raised
areas are angular and have a flat shin
surface of pink or
violet hue.
Certain
drugs may produce an
identical eruption. The initial
attack persists for weeks or months and may
recur intermittently. Children rarely are affected.
The
condition typically affects the wrists, arms, legs, and trunk, but is rarely seen on the face.
Occasionally the lesions are widespread. The cause of the disease is unknown.
Sedation may be necessary in sever cases, but
usually all that is
required is the application of a soothing lotion or hydrocortisone ointment.